Partnering with families for individualized support - post

What does “individualized support” mean in child care?

Individualized support means you adjust your care and teaching to fit one child’s needs.

This can include:

• Changing the #classroom-setup (like a quieter space)
• Using a visual schedule or picture cards
• Offering extra practice with skills (like sharing or dressing)
• Supporting speech, behavior, #sensory needs, or social skills 
• Making a #plan for big transitions (drop-off, #nap-time, moving rooms)

It does not mean a child gets “special treatment.” It means the child gets what they need to succeed.

Why should #teachers partner with families (instead of doing it alone)? 

When families and teachers work together, children often:

• Feel #safer and more confident
• Adjust faster to routines
• Show fewer challenging behaviors
• Build skills faster because support is consistent

Families also feel more respected when they see you care about their child as a whole person—not just a #student. 

How do you build trust with families from the start?

Trust grows from small actions done often.

Try these simple habits:

• Greet families by name at drop-off and pick-up
• Share one positive note each day (even a short one)
• Follow through on what you say you will do
• Keep information private (no sharing details with other families)
• Use clear, kind #language—especially when a topic is sensitive

Helpful tip: If a family speaks another language, use short sentences, visuals, and translated notes when possible. You can also ask, “What language is easiest for you?”

What should you learn from families to support a child well?

Families can give you the “missing puzzle pieces.” Use a friendly, curious tone, not a “form interview” tone.

Here are questions that often help:

• “What does your child enjoy most at #home?”
• “What helps your child calm down when upset?”
• “What are your child’s biggest strengths?”
• “Are there any changes at home that may affect your child’s day?”
• “What goals do you have for your child this month?”
• “What should we avoid because it upsets your child?”

You can collect this information through:

• A short intake form
• A quick phone call after the first week
• A #10-minute meeting
• A “Getting to Know My Child” sheet

How do you create an individualized plan with families (step by step)?

You don’t need a long, complicated document. A simple plan can work well.

Try this 5-step method:

1) What is the main goal?

Pick one goal first. Examples:

• “Use words or pictures to ask for help”
• “Separate at drop-off with less crying”
• “Join group time for 3 minutes”
• “Keep hands to self during #play”

2) What does the child do now?

Write what you see in clear, non-judgment words:

• “Cries for 10 minutes at drop-off”
• “Hits when another child takes a toy”

3) What supports will we use at school?

Choose 2–3 supports, such as:

• Visual schedule
• First/Then board (“First clean up, then blocks”)
• A #cozy corner for breaks
• A buddy teacher greeting at drop-off
• Simple social scripts: “My turn,” “Help please”

4) What supports will families use at home?

Keep it realistic:

• Practice the same words or picture cards
• Use a similar bedtime routine for better sleep
• Read a short feelings book nightly
• Practice a quick goodbye routine

5) When will we check progress?

Pick a date (like two weeks). Decide how you’ll measure: 

• “Crying went from 10 minutes to 3 minutes”
• “Used ‘help’ 4 times today”

This teamwork approach helps everyone stay calm and clear. 

How can you talk about concerns without making families feel blamed?

Hard conversations are easier when you focus on:

• What you see (facts)
• What the child needs (support)
• What you can do together (team plan)

Use phrases like:

• “I want to share what I’m noticing so we can support your child together.”
• “What do you see at home?”
• “Let’s try a few strategies and see what helps.”

Avoid phrases that feel like labels, such as:

• “He’s bad.”
• “She’s out of control.”
• “You need to fix this.”

If a family gets upset, stay calm and kind:

• “I hear this is #stressful. We care about your child, and we’re here to help.”

What communication tools work best for individualized support?

Consistency #matters more than length. Pick tools you can actually keep up with.

Helpful options:

• Daily notes (1–2 sentences)
• A weekly check-in message
• A shared goal tracker (simple chart)
• Photos of success (with program permission)
• Scheduled meetings (every 2–4 weeks for a short time)

If possible, agree on:

• Best method (text, app, phone, email)
• Best time to contact
• Who to contact (one main caregiver, or both)

How do you support children with IEPs, IFSPs, or extra services?

Some children have #plans like an IEP (Individualized Education Program) or IFSP (Individualized Family Service Plan). Even if your program does not “write” those plans, you can still support them well.

Strong steps include:

• Ask families what supports are used in therapy or at home
• Follow strategies suggested by specialists (with family permission)
• Track little progress and share it
• Keep accommodations #respectful and normal (not embarrassing)

ChildCareEd also has a helpful page that explains individualized plans in simple terms:
Explain an Individual Family Support Plan and/or and Individual Education Plan

What #free ChildCareEd resource can help you strengthen family partnerships?

A practical tool you can use with your team is this checklist: Family Engagement Practices Checklist

It can help you notice what you already do well—and what to improve—so family #engagement is not just “extra work,” but part of your everyday routine.

What ChildCareEd courses can help you build stronger family partnerships?

If you want more training and ready-to-use ideas, these courses are directly connected to partnering with families:

• Building a Community of Families
• Engaging Families for Child Success
• Bienvenido! Welcoming All Families

What related ChildCareEd article should you read next?

For easier strategies you can use right away, read: Family Engagement Strategies in Early Childhood Education

Where can you get more tips and follow ChildCareEd?

Want more ideas for working with families, supporting behavior, and building #classroom-community? Follow ChildCareEd on Facebook and join the conversation:

Small steps—done consistently—make the biggest difference. When families feel heard and respected, children get the support they need to grow.